Auburn defensive line coach Mike Pelton had a message for his players during the summer and fall camp, and he reminded them of it constantly.

"I told them Utah State is going to come in here and try to knock the defending national champions off," said Pelton.

The Aggies nearly did, giving up two late fourth-quarter touchdowns to fall 42-38 to the Tigers.

Utah State did not "knock the defending national champions off", but its offensive line knocked the Auburn defensive front off the line of scrimmage clearing the way for 227 yards rushing and five touchdowns....